Leander Charles "Lee" Schroeder, age 84, of 4715 Stein Road, Shelby, died Tuesday, December 17, 2002, at his home.

He was born February 21, 1918 in Leipsic, Ohio, the son of the late Herman Charles and Agnes (Verhoff) Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder was a farmer all of his life and served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant during World War II, where he received a bronze star. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Bethlehem, Shelby American Legion O'Brien Post #326, and Shelby Knights of Columbus Council #1968, where he was the recipient of the "Family of the Year" and "Catholic Man Of The Year" Awards. He was a former member of Shelby Amvets and Shelby Owls. Lee was a former Sharon Township Trustee and was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Lee is survived by his wife of 57 years: Ruth Gertrude (Koch) Schroeder, whom he wed on October 20, 1945; 4 sons and daughters-in-law: Dale and Linda Schroeder of Shelby, Joseph and Chris Schroeder of Stow, Paul and Miriam Schroeder of Shelby, Charles and Vicki Schroeder of Shelby; 4 daughters and 3 sons-in-law: Sr. Mary Ellen Schroeder, SND of Leipsic, Marcile and Pat Teynor of New Washington, Marjorie and Jim Drake of Sandusky, and Cathryn and Michael Anatra of Crestline; 25 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother and 4 sisters-in-law: Daniel and Martha Schroeder of Crestline, Mary Ann Schroeder of Bucyrus, Mildred Schroeder of Shelby, Elvera Schroeder of Galion; 2 sisters and 1 brother-in-law: Edna Kreinbrink of Shelby and Jane and George Core of Saltsburg, PA.

He was preceded in death by 6 brothers: Serge, Joseph, Charles, Thomas, Eugene, and Robert Schroeder, and 2 sisters: Mary Agnes Schroeder and Ruth Lammers.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, December 19, 2002 from 5-8 PM and Friday, from 1-3 and 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Nick Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. The D of I will recite the rosary Thursday at 8 PM. A wake service will be conducted Friday at 8 PM. Memorial expressions may be made to Sacred Heart School or to the Sister of Notre Dame in Toledo